Sightings at Sculthorpe Moor (10th March 2018)

I expected the reserve to be quieter, given the news of the appearance of a Snowy Owl at Titchwell Marsh. However, there were at least sixty visitors to Sculthorpe throughout the day.

Snowdrops near the Forest School.

The weather was mild, with temperatures between 12-14°C and the occasional bit of light rain in the afternoon. The following was seen since 12.30pm:

Bullfinch x 7

Great Spotted Woodpecker x 1

Marsh Tit x 2

Long-tailed Tit x 5

Nuthatch x 1

Reed Bunting x 4 - All seen on the feeding table in front of the Whitley Hide. Unexpectedly, one male was being particularly aggressive towards other birds that were attempting to land on the table. 

Little Egret x 1

Mute Swan x 2

Water Rail x 1 - Appeared several times throughout the afternoon, in front of the Whitley Hide. It was interesting to see that other birds were very wary of its presence, as it continued to chase them away from under the feeding table. This would make sense given that it attacked and killed a Long-tailed Tit, some weeks earlier.

Siskin x 3 - All seen on the niger seed feeders in front of the Volunteers' Hide. One was a significantly more vibrant yellow colour than the others.

Coal Tit x 1

Greylag Goose x 10

Lapwing x 1

Mealy Redpoll x 2 - They were both seen on the niger seed feeders, near the sightings board, close to the entrance of the reserve. 

Lesser Redpoll x 3 - Seen on the same niger seed feeders and on the feeders in front of the Volunteers' Hide. 

Wren x 1

Grey Heron x 1

Little Grebe x 2

Also, there were reports of a female Marsh Harrier and a Chinese Water Deer seen across the reserve during the day.